Bus drivers and conductors employed by Mark Eve’s Transit went on strike at their terminal in P. Tuazon Boulevard, Barangay Project 4, Quezon City, starting November 5, to defend their labor rights. The bus company ply provincial routes, including to Albay and Sorsogon.

Led by the Samahan ng mga Manggagawa ng Mark Eve’s Transit-FFW (Association of Mark Eve’s Transit Workers-FFW), the workers decided to go on strike after the company dismissed the officials of their newly formed union. The union was recently recognized as the workers’ Sole and Exclusive Bargaining Agent (SEBA).

The company management is reportedly insisting on appointing the union officials, which is clearly a violation of labor laws that prohibit management interference in union affairs. Refusing to comply, five union officials were dismissed from their jobs.

The workers are also fighting for a wage increase and recognition of their other rights. They currently receive only ₱1,100 in wages for a 36-hour round trip from Manila to Albay.

Union president Alberto Balean said “Mark Eve’s Transit has disregarded our rights as workers by refusing to negotiate and worse, by dismissing employees who tried to fight for fair treatment and dignity at work.”

The union stated that the strike is their last resort after the company repeatedly refused to address their grievances.

Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general Jerome Adonis visited the picket line to offer solidarity to the drivers and conductors. “Violations of workers’ rights are countless. Fighting is just right!” Adonis said.

Adonis is a former bus conductor for the Pasvil-Pascual Liner Incorporated and a member of the PASVIL/Pascual Liner Inc. Workers Union-NAFLU-KMU. His union staged a strike in 1995 against the exploitative and oppressive policies of the company.